Key clashes in Arsenal's trip to face United... and why the Gunners can snatch a win at Old Trafford

Top-of-the-table Arsenal travel north on Sunday to take on champions Manchester United.

The Gunners have continued their excellent start to the season, picking up impressive wins against in-form Liverpool and German giants Borussia Dortmund in their last two matches.

Sportsmail's Martin Keown takes a look at three of the key clashes at Old Trafford and explains why Arsene Wenger's side have enough to come out on top.

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So last season: Robin van Persie scores against Arsenal last year but the Gunners are the team in form this time around

KEY CLASHES

ROONEY v FLAMINI / ARTETA

Mathieu Flamini is a doubt for the game, but Arsene Wenger will be doing everything he can to get him playing. He has given Arsenal a solid platform for the forward players to attack. He is the defensive brain of the side. He and Mikel Arteta offer their back four great protection, though they have a job on their hands with Wayne Rooney on Sunday. Rooney is in good form this season and loves to drop off into that hole between the defence and midfield. He is always looking for space and it’s up to Flamini and Arteta to deny him that. If Flamini doesn’t make it, Aaron Ramsey will have play in a disciplined manner.

Man in form: Wayne Rooney topped off a fine performance against Fulham with this goal last Saturday

Midfield general: Mathieu Flamini (right) will aim to pay close attention to Rooney if he is passed fit to play on Sunday

Alternative option: Mikel Arteta (right) will be forced to play a more defensive role if Flamini is ruled out

VAN PERSIE V KOSCIELNY

Robin van Persie will have been watching Arsenal’s success so far this season with interest. He left and became a champion with United last year, but it feels like a new beginning for his old club. We all know about his quality, but he will want to prove that he still made the right decision to leave. In Laurent Koscielny, though, Arsenal have the perfect foil for Van Persie. He has come on so well and is now one of the best defenders in the League. He’s quick, mobile and tenacious so his battle with Van Persie will be crucial.

Mesut Ozil might have been the star signing, but he is not hogging the limelight. He has become a key part of the whole and Arsenal are more collective in the way they play. His movement is so fluid that United are unlikely to put a man on him, but Phil Jones will have to be on guard and get close to him. United won’t be worrying too much defensively about Arsenal — they will focus on their own strengths. But if anyone can hurt them, Ozil can.

Tough afternoon: Phil Jones (right) will need to be at his best to stop Mesut Ozil (right) from dictating play

Aaron Ramsey has scored 13 times in 21 appearances for club and country this season, but his game is about more than goals:

AWESOME OZIL

In his first seven league games, Mesut Ozil has been involved in twice as many goals as the club’s other midfield legends from the Premier League era.

AND WHY UNITED FEEL CONFIDENT

TRAVEL SICKNESS

The last time Arsenal won at Old Trafford was in September 2006, when an Emmanuel Adebayor goal gave them a 1-0 win. Since then they have lost eight and drawn one, shipping 22 goals in the process. That includes the8-2 drubbing in 2011.

THE DEADLY DUO

Robin van Persie scored twice against his old club last season, while Wayne Rooney is back to his best. United perform better when they start together.

P.S Rooney has scored 12 league goals against Arsenal. ‘They must be sick of the sight of me,’ he said on Friday.

UNITED ON THE RUN

Arsenal have lost two of their past five matches — against Chelsea in the Capital One Cup and Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League. United are unbeaten in eight games.